West Sussex blazes spark warning from fire service

A number of fires in West Sussex have sparked a warning from the fire service.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

On Tuesday evening, the crew from Haywards Heath Fire Station was called after residents noticed a group of young people had started a number of fires off Langmore Lane in Lindfield near some derelict buildings, the fire service said. After arriving at the scene shortly after 7.30pm, the crew found a number of small fires and quickly got to work extinguishing them. The matter has been referred to the neighbourhood policing team.

But after similar incidents across West Sussex the fire service is urging people to act responsibly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Matt Gamblen is West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Wildfires Tactical Advisor. He said: “Starting a fire in the open when we have had a period of dry weather is incredibly irresponsible, as it doesn’t take very much for a very small fire to quickly get out of control and spread to nearby undergrowth or buildings.

Several fires were started in Lindfield. Photo: West Sussex Fire and Rescue ServiceSeveral fires were started in Lindfield. Photo: West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
Several fires were started in Lindfield. Photo: West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service

“Fortunately we were alerted quickly to the fires last night and the firefighters at Haywards Heath Fire Station were able to extinguish them before they spread any further. Had they been left to burn, the outcome could have been very different.”

He urged people to report evidence of fires being started, even if it is already out, so that they can monitor trends and work with local partners to reduce deliberate fires in the area.

He added: “With lockdown restrictions beginning to ease we know people are going to want to spend more time outdoors with their family and friends, but we would urge you not to start a fire in the open.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Starting a fire deliberately is not just a waste of your time, or our time, but it could prevent us from attending an emergency incident as quickly as we can where we are needed most, perhaps involving your loved ones.”

A fire service spokesman said: “If you have concerns about a young person’s behaviour and believe they could be at risk of starting a fire you can contact West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s FireWise team on 0330 2222 515 or email [email protected].”

Related topics: